Hancock still must appoint a police chief, manager of public works and a manager of community planning and development. Last week, he made a flurry of appointments, including the heads of parks and recreation and environmental health.

May, who was interim DHS manager, will earn $136,474 as head of the department that provides a variety of assistance to Denver residents from helping those in financial need to protecting those from abuse and neglect.

“Penny is devoted to ensuring that those hit hardest by these tough times and those struggling in our City receive the assistance they need,” Mayor Hancock said in a press release. “If we are to build a world-class city where everyone matters, we must have leaders who care about the people they serve and the service they provide; I trust Penny is absolutely one of those leaders.”

< The Manager of Human Services oversees a variety of services and programs, including child support and protection services, adult protection assistance, veteran’s services and Denver’s Road Home. More than 175,000 Denver residents of all ages rely on just the assistance programs provided by the department. “I’m honored to be given this opportunity by Mayor Hancock to head a department whose mission is to help protect and assist our residents ensuring they live in a safe and stable environment,” May said. “During these challenging times, I look forward to working with our community on opportunities for partnership and finding creative ways to deliver the best and most effective services to the many in need.” May began her career with the City and County of Denver as a legislative analyst for City Council[5] in 1992. She was a senior analyst for then-Councilman Doug Linkhart[6] before joining the Hickenlooper[7] administration as deputy city council liaison. May has held various positions within the Hickenlooper[7] and Vidal administrations, including director of excise and licenses and deputy manager of human services. She has been serving as interim-manager of human services since Hancock took office in July.